Big Soda Sponsored 96 Health Groups — A Big Conflict Of Interest: Study

"Nearly 100 national health and medical groups — including the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — enjoy sponsorships by Coca-Cola Co. or PepsiCo, according to a new study by two Boston University researchers.

The report lands as the sugar industry’s supersized role in shaping — and spinning — health policy has come under increasing scrutiny. It also comes as the negative health effects of sugar and sugary drinks, including a link to rising obesity rates, are better understood.

'Now, most organizations refuse tobacco money,' write the study authors, Daniel Aaron and Michael Siegel. 'Perhaps soda companies should be treated similarly.'"

Kerry Lauerman reports for the Washington Post October 10, 2016.